Editorial - Black pastors try to make a difference in face of violence

Published: Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 11:40 p.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 11:40 p.m.

It was with heavy hearts that a group of Wilmington clergy members came together on Thursday to plead for a halt to the violence that is plaguing some of Wilmington’s most troubled neighborhoods. Most of the group represented churches that minister in the city’s predominantly black, lower-income neighborhoods. Some of them know both the victims of that violence and those who are responsible for the attacks.

And they know what that violence is doing to their communities. As spiritual leaders they see it as part of their duty to speak out, and to encourage their parishioners and neighbors to do what they can to help police put a stop to the seemingly nightly gunfire. That role is familiar to them, because the church is such a strong institution in many of these neighborhoods.

To many in these neighborhoods, preachers are respected and viewed as community as well as religious leaders. These ministers see neighborhood children as their children, and their work often extends beyond what many white Protestants see as the traditional role of a pastor.

Congregations have different expectations of their clergy. Some religious institutions steer clear of politics, while others have a long tradition of social and political involvement. The latter is the case of many predominantly black churches – after all, they were integral in helping the nation see civil rights not only as a matter of legal equality but also as a righteous higher cause.

Ending the violence that is killing or disabling too many young people in Wilmington neighborhoods is just as righteous a cause. In standing with the pastors at a news conference Thursday, Police Chief Ralph Evangelous delivered a disturbing piece of information: Many of these increasingly violent street gangs are being led by teenagers not yet old enough to drive. The combination of anger and immaturity can be deadly, particularly when parental supervision is either missing or inadequate.

The ministers’ calls for a cease-fire may fall on deaf ears. But this message wasn’t aimed just at gang members. They were appealing to their parishioners and other residents who are tired of the gunshots, frightened to go outside their own homes, terrified for the safety of their children and angry that they have fallen hostage to groups of mostly young men who are at the center of the violence.

Bishop James Utley of The Love Center asked parents to do a very difficult thing: letting police know if they see their child with a gun, or if they know he or she is involved in illegal activity. It’s a gut-wrenching decision to have to make, but often it takes that kind of tough love to force a loved one to change.

What the ministers were saying as they delivered that message is that as church leaders they will be there to help and to comfort. But as members of the community, they were also hurt, and angry. The Rev. Cliff Barnett of Warner Temple AME Zion Church best expressed their sentiments:

<p>It was with heavy hearts that a group of Wilmington clergy members came together on Thursday to plead for a halt to the violence that is plaguing some of Wilmington's most troubled neighborhoods. Most of the group represented churches that minister in the city's predominantly black, lower-income neighborhoods. Some of them know both the victims of that violence and those who are responsible for the attacks.</p><p>And they know what that violence is doing to their communities. As spiritual leaders they see it as part of their duty to speak out, and to encourage their parishioners and neighbors to do what they can to help police put a stop to the seemingly nightly gunfire. That role is familiar to them, because the church is such a strong institution in many of these neighborhoods.</p><p>To many in these neighborhoods, preachers are respected and viewed as community as well as religious leaders. These ministers see neighborhood children as their children, and their work often extends beyond what many white Protestants see as the traditional role of a pastor.</p><p>Congregations have different expectations of their clergy. Some religious institutions steer clear of politics, while others have a long tradition of social and political involvement. The latter is the case of many predominantly black churches – after all, they were integral in helping the nation see civil rights not only as a matter of legal equality but also as a righteous higher cause.</p><p>Ending the violence that is killing or disabling too many young people in Wilmington neighborhoods is just as righteous a cause. In standing with the pastors at a news conference Thursday, Police Chief <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic9935"><b>Ralph Evangelous</b></a> delivered a disturbing piece of information: Many of these increasingly violent street gangs are being led by teenagers not yet old enough to drive. The combination of anger and immaturity can be deadly, particularly when parental supervision is either missing or inadequate.</p><p>The ministers' calls for a cease-fire may fall on deaf ears. But this message wasn't aimed just at gang members. They were appealing to their parishioners and other residents who are tired of the gunshots, frightened to go outside their own homes, terrified for the safety of their children and angry that they have fallen hostage to groups of mostly young men who are at the center of the violence.</p><p> Bishop James Utley of The Love Center asked parents to do a very difficult thing: letting police know if they see their child with a gun, or if they know he or she is involved in illegal activity. It's a gut-wrenching decision to have to make, but often it takes that kind of tough love to force a loved one to change.</p><p>What the ministers were saying as they delivered that message is that as church leaders they will be there to help and to comfort. But as members of the community, they were also hurt, and angry. The Rev. Cliff Barnett of Warner Temple AME Zion Church best expressed their sentiments:</p><p>“The total disregard for life and safety and respect must stop now.”</p><p>Amen.</p>